ARC Raiders Version 1.20.0 Update Nerfs Popular Shotgun: Patch Notes Explained

ARC Raiders Patch Notes
Key Takeaways
  • The Il Toro shotgun has been heavily nerfed, reducing its damage, fire rate, accuracy, and reload speed.
  • Energy Clips now sell for far less, closing a popular coin farming method players were using.
  • The update also adds a new outfit, two hairstyles, and several bug fixes across the game.
The ARC Raiders Version 1.20.0 Update has arrived across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, bringing several balance changes to Embark Studios’ extraction shooter. While the patch also adds a few cosmetic items and bug fixes, most of the attention is on a weapon many players felt had dominated fights for weeks. The ARC Raiders new update significantly nerfs the Il Toro shotgun and also cuts the value of Energy Clips, a crafting item that had become one of the easiest ways to farm coins.

ARC Raiders Il Toro Shotgun Receives Major Balance Nerf

ARC Raiders Il Toro Shotgun Receives Major Balance Nerf

Image via Embark Studios.

The biggest change in the ARC Raiders 1.20.0 update targets the Il Toro shotgun. The weapon had become extremely popular in PvP encounters because of its high damage and surprisingly strong performance at range. Many players argued that it felt far stronger than its rarity suggested. Embark Studios confirmed that the changes were made after consistent community feedback. According to the developer, the goal is to reduce the shotgun’s effectiveness at range and make it behave more like a weapon of its rarity. Players will now need better positioning, cover usage, and proper timing to win fights. Several key stats were adjusted in the patch. Pellet damage has been reduced from 7.5 to 7, while the base fire rate has dropped from 43 to 38. Accuracy has also taken a hit, with base dispersion increasing from 4.5 to 6. Reload performance has been slowed as well. Total reload time has increased from 4.3 seconds to 5.7 seconds, while both looping reload entry and reload timing have also been extended. On top of that, damage falloff at range has increased from 40 percent to 50 percent, meaning the shotgun loses more damage over distance. Together, these changes reduce the weapon’s overall damage output and effectiveness in mid range fights. The adjustments also push players toward upgrading the weapon and using attachments if they want to get the most out of it.

ARC Raiders Update Reduces Energy Clip Sell Price

ARC Raiders Update Reduces Energy Clip Sell Price

Image via Embark Studios.

Another major change in the ARC Raiders Version 1.20.0 Update focuses on the in game economy. Energy Clips, a crafted item used by many players to farm coins quickly, have been heavily nerfed. Before the patch, Energy Clips could be sold for 1000 coins. Players discovered that crafting them was extremely profitable, especially when repeatedly running certain activities to gather materials. As a result, the item became one of the fastest ways to build up large amounts of currency. The ARC Raiders new update drastically reduces their value. Energy Clips now sell for just 200 coins, which represents an 80 percent drop in price. Embark Studios explained that the crafting loop had unintentionally become too profitable and needed to be brought in line with other crafting options.

Cosmetics and Bug Fixes Included in the Patch

Cosmetics and Bug Fixes Included in the Patch

Image via Embark Studios.

Alongside the balance changes, the ARC Raiders 1.20.0 update also introduces a few cosmetic additions. Players can now obtain the Rawhide Outfit, which adds a rugged look to the character customization options in the game. Two new hairstyles have also been added to the shop. The patch also fixes several technical issues. Developers resolved an audio problem that caused persistent sounds from destroyed Comets and Fireballs. Another fix addresses a bug that could push players through a wall in the Dam Controlled Access Zone. Collision problems near the east elevator and under pipes in the Spaceport area have also been corrected. While this update mainly focuses on balancing gameplay, it arrives shortly before the next major expansion. Embark Studios is expected to release the Flashpoint update soon, which will introduce a new map, additional ARC enemies, and other large scale changes.

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FAQs

What changed in ARC Raiders Version 1.20.0 Update?

The update nerfs the Il Toro shotgun, reduces the sell value of Energy Clips, adds new cosmetics, and fixes several gameplay bugs.

The weapon received multiple balance adjustments including lower pellet damage, reduced fire rate, increased reload time, and higher damage falloff at range.

Developers lowered their sell value because crafting and selling Energy Clips had become an overly profitable way to farm coins.

Nilendu Brahma

Nilendu Brahma

Author

Nilendu Brahma is a gaming and tech writer who covers the latest news, guides, and updates across PC, console, and mobile titles. When not writing, he spends time exploring single player indie titles, because he is a hard-stuck Gold in Valorant.

Last updated: 18.03.2026
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